This game scarcely gives us time to draw breath. As the NT sales followed hot on the heels of the drama of the end of Season 14 so the new season was upon us. Some have bolted for the top-spot from the very off whereas others seem to have stalled completely. As ever, the League Of Ireland seems set to make the neutral observer the winner once more.

Le Sharks find themselves at the summit for –amazingly- the first time in more than a season. Clearly they have set out to make amends for last seasons mid-table mediocrity and after only three games are the only team in the LOI with a 100% record. They achieved this with clinical displays against the returning Park Rangers FC and Na Fianna. Less clinical was their display away to Lepers United where, having had a man sent off, it took a late penalty to knock Pirate Ninja Dinosaurs United off the top.

The Yarrrghs will certainly feel a good deal of luck is owed after their tie against One nil to the arsenal. Two goals ahead with five minutes to go in a game which they had had the upper hand in, a hint of complacency appears to have crept in and, as they ably displayed last season, One nil are a side that play to the very final whistle. Which was exactly how long it took them to equalise. That result leaves both the sides on seven points, keeping them company are Lisburn City, Askeaton and Athletico Teabag who will all be happy with their opening exploits.

The promoted teams have had a tough start to life in the top flight, with only one win to show for nine attempts this week. Buggleskelly Swifts AFc will undoubtedly be pleased with the victory over Serenity City which lifted them above the Cup Winners on goal difference and out of the bottom six.

LEGLESS ATHLETIC put in some very competitive displays and while they came away from the week with nothing tangible to show for it, they must feel that they can and will be competitive at this level. Certainly their offensive stance against Teabag on the opening day shows they will not hold any fear. A degree of luck may well be required though, or at least a bit more cutting edge.

However it is Na Fianna who must surely be feeling that their deity of choice has abandoned them after making a horrendous start to the season. They find themselves at the very bottom after so far failing to assimilate their new signings fast enough. Killian O’ Rourke in particular will be feeling the pressure after failing to impress so far –prompting some passing reference to future transfers- and while this reporter is confident The IRB will up their game, Shamrock hoops will certainly not make it easy for them come Wednesday night.

The Leinster Lions join them at the bottom with a similarly poor run this week. After coming a cropper against a resilient Irish wolfhounds :) side, things only went downhill from there as first Celtic Bhoys and then Askeaton turned them over, although they did double Na Fianna’s goal tally for the week!

While it is still very early days in the season, the sight of Le Sharks atop the division must have everyone with title aspirations feeling somewhat unsettled, but things can –and almost certainly will- change very quickly throughout the division and we will be there to keep you up to speed.

Game of the Week – Serenity City vs. Shout FC – A dramatic match with a grandstand finish.

Player of the Week – Leon Bowden (Le Sharks) Determined to make an impact, and succeeded in great style.